I was one of those kids who loved boxes of crayons. The larger the box, the better. So many color options for my masterpiece. Within that sumptuous box of crayons was a certain hue I could never ignore. It was the pastels. The baby pinks, light greens and sky blues were worn to nubs in my crayon box. I reveled in those soft colors that quite simply were happy to me.
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| Ian Stewart Fall 2014 |
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| Rosa Clara 2014 |
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| Oscar de la Renta 2014 |
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| Stella de Libero |
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| Vera Wang Fall 2014 |
The definition of pastel as an adjective is soft, pure, delicate, "light in prose or poetic." Since 1662 the French word has been in the dictionary and through the centuries has evoked the simple, stillness that is gentle. The classic colors to describe new babies-light pink and light blue. New life and beginnings, the color represents for Spring and the Easter season.
Designers have used this lady like palette over the years in beautiful ways. However, there was also a time bridesmaids dreaded the typical pastel frock they were coerced to don. Bride's in the 1960s and 1970s frequently chose pastels for their maids. The never wear again bridesmaid gown was born and pastels unfairly equated to silly fluff tucked far away in a closet after the wedding.
To my delight, designers have revisited the French Meringue hues again and the splendor of pastels have emerged in ready to wear, evening and bridal ensembles. The styles pictured are a brief depiction of this alluring brilliance. Some subtle and others as bold as a pastel will allow to secure a fresh, modern look for the bride who opts for a non traditional shade. I've always been a proponent of color somewhere on the bride, but this season takes the radiance of color to a another level of chic.
These gowns are editorial and not for everyone, but they inspire alone in their beauty. If pastels conjure delicate softness, a new beginning, Spring flowers, a childhood memory, neutrality, then a wedding can't be far from one's mind. Or maybe they don't have anything at all to do with a wedding. They are just pretty to look at. After all these years as an admirer, I'd agree.
